“Depending on the aircraft and the weight onboard, and other factors, the captain will have to decide if and when he needs to refuel in order to meet required fuel reserves.”
“Whatever.”
“I can give you an estimate of the cost, but there are some variables, including fuel cost, actual flight time—which is dependent on wind and weather—and the cost of the overnight lodging for the pilot, and—”
“What’s the bottom line?”
“About three thousand to thirty-five hundred dollars.”
“You take cash?”
“No, sir. I need a credit card number to secure the booking.”
“This sounds like a legitimate operation.”
“Sir?”
“Let me give you my wife’s credit card.” He motioned to Taylor, who pulled her card out of her wallet and gave it to him. He said to Ms. Muller, “She uses her maiden name. Taylor.” He spelled it. “First name—what…?” He looked at her. “Magnolia?What the hell kind of cracker name is that?”
Taylor looked embarrassed, then recovered and gave him the finger.
“Sir?”
“First name Magnolia. It’s an Amex.” Brodie recited the card number and expiration date.
“Thank you, sir. And may I have a phone number to contact you?”
Brodie gave her his and Taylor’s cell phone numbers so that they didn’t have to stand on the balcony waiting for a call on their sat phone.
“Thank you, Mr. Bowman. I’ll call you as soon as I reach Captain Collins.”
“Call me within the hour either way.”
“Yes, sir.”
“We really need to get out of here. This is the mating season.”
“Sir…? Oh, the birds.”
“Yes, the birds, Ms. Muller.”
“I will do my best.” She added, “Also, I should have mentioned that fuel and other fees at Tomás de Heres will be put on that card.”
Brodie stood motionless, then said, “Say that name again.”
“Tomás de Heres. That’s the airport in Ciudad Bolívar. Where you will probably land to refuel.”
Brodie stayed silent.
“Sir? Is that—?”
“That’s fine, Ms. Muller. Thank you for your assistance.”
“Thank you for choosing Apex.”
Brodie hung up and looked at Taylor.
She asked, “Everything okay?”
